Monday, November 26, 2012

Top Five Affordable Honeymoon Destinations

By Christina Bryon

The honeymoon is the time during which you are suppose to unwind from the pressures of planning the lavish wedding and truly rejoice that the two of you are now husband-and-wife. It should consist of new experiences, delicious foods, relaxing atmospheres and a string of romantic moments that you will cherish for a lifetime. What can detract from even the dreamiest location is that nagging voice in the back of your head that stresses
You cannot afford this; after all that money you spent on the reception? You cannot afford this. Well, put that voice to rest by selecting a honeymoon destination that falls within your budget. There are plenty of honeymoon destinations that offer the beauty of Paris or Bora Bora that only a fraction of the cost.

Croatia

Croatia is a country with clean beaches, statuesque peaks, fertile forests, Renaissance and Gothic buildings and vibrant vineyards . . . but at a substantially more affordable rate than its Western neighbors. Couples will be introduced to friendly locals and abounding culture in the cities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb; they will be able to explore history, architecture, art and customs that span across the centuries to educate and enchant. Honeymooners will love snuggling in the quaint cafes and walking hand-in-hand through the charming, bustling streets. Undoubtedly, the Dalmatian Coast will also draw honeymooners with its crystal Adriatic waters, high cliffs and gorgeous views. The island of Hvar’s warm climate, pristine sands, crystal waters and festive nightlife are quickly making it a hotspot among celebrities and couples alike. For those who are itching for adventure, Croatia is brimming with flourishing, wooded natural parks that provide some of the world’s most striking mountains, waterfalls and forested environments.

Yucatan Peninsula

Does a romantic honeymoon in Cancun Mexico strike you as preposterous? Well, it’s on the list with due cause. The town and its surrounding areas may be prominently known for partying, but they also offer couples so much more than merely a wild nightlife. Newlyweds will want to visit Tulum to behold the azure seas, well-preserved Mayan ruins and cenotes (naturally sunken pits that are great for swimming or exploring). A short drive away, the city of Merida offers couples a surprising blend of indigenous and colonial architecture and cultural influences. When walking around the streets of the town, visitors encounter palaces of the past and citizens of the present. Surrounding Cancun are many national parks that are plentiful with wildlife and natural scenery, like the Area de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam, a nature preserve that is made up of gorgeous wetlands, dense jungles and lovely coasts. And don’t forget, no trip to the region is complete without viewing the famed and remarkable Chichen Itza!

Montreal

Instead of flying across the Atlantic, why not explore the little slice of France that is nestled right in our own North America? The dynamic city of Montreal is accessible not only by plane, but train and bus as well, which will significantly cut down on costs. Like Paris, Montreal is a city of beauty; with its historic streets, imposing structures and dozens of quality museums, visitors to Montreal will be able to immerse themselves in the past while simultaneously soaking in the metropolitan lights, diverse nightlife and fine dining of this Canadian cultural hub. Abundant with youth and style, the city is also abundant with nature and spectacular parks, the chief being Mount Royal; visitors and locals alike treasure the wooded park and its romantic view of the magnificent skyline.

Lake Tahoe

Instead of snowboarding in the Swiss Alps, consider tackling the glorious slopes of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Mountains. During the winter, couples will enjoy the endless available activities as well as the romantic fireplaces and steamy hot tubs of area’s many resorts. And during the warmer months? Newlyweds will have their choice of hiking, boating, biking, golfing, hot air ballooning and so much more. With its cobalt blue waters, peaceful cliffs and emerald green nature, Lake Tahoe is a world-class sight to behold and share with your hubby.

Vietnam

Though the country may be geographically small, Vietnam offers honeymooners impressive geographic and cultural range. Depending on the region, you will be able to detect, French, Indian, Chinese and Thai influences that help to shape Vietnam into what it is today. The capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are alive with history, art, foods and animated street life that will delightful the curiosity of adventurous couples. Alternatively, Halong Bay and its spectacular islands that shoot from the water offer a backdrop of tranquility and wonder. Honeymooners will want to recline on one of the country’s many sunny beaches and dive into the ocean’s rippling waves. Whether by bicycle or car, travelers are encouraged to journey across Highway 1 to witness striking visions of the region as they pass by rice fields, jungles and more. While flying to Vietnam may be costly, the cost of room-and-board as well as your daily expenses will be very reasonable.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Alternative honeymoon destinations: top 5

As time passes, fashion changes - and the same holds true for weddings and honeymoons. Many couples nowadays look for something unique and different when it comes to choosing their honeymoon destination. After all, this is probably the most important of all vacations, and it’s only natural to want to make it unique and special. Here are the top five unique spots for an unconventional getaway. Enjoy!

Dominican Republic

Those who think a honeymoon in the Dominican Republic is simply about relaxing on a beach of golden sand beside a deep blue sea would be wrong. While honeymooners can revel in the blissful surroundings of the Caribbean, they can also enjoy numerous fun activities. Dominican Republic resorts boast scenic vistas of extraordinary beauty and quaint charm. On the island of Hispaniola, lovers can visit shady pine-covered hills that are popular for mountain biking, nature reserves full of interesting wildlife and national parks that are perfect for romantic strolls. Energetic couples can also try river rafting or head to the coastline for scuba diving and whale watching.

Alaska

From sun and sea to ice and snow – this is a honeymoon with a real difference. Intrepid explorers will love the opportunity to swap the beach for snowy landscapes. During their Alaskan adventure, honeymooners can lodge in comfortable family-run inns or log cabins, some of which have hot tubs. Couples can choose from a number of nature excursions, including cruises to view glaciers and wildlife, or activities such as white water rafting and kayaking. There’s nothing quite as romantic as cuddling together in front of a blazing log fire and watching the starlight twinkle on the sparkling snow outside.

France

Paris loves lovers, so goes the song, but the same can be said about other parts of France.
For pampered luxury, French spas cannot be surpassed. Besides traditional therapies, some in the Bordeaux area offer baths laced with red wine vine extracts to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize the skin, improve circulation and reduce stress. Many spas are attached to quality hotels, and some are located within vineyards. Honeymooners can learn more about winemaking and enjoy tasting sessions. Additionally, most hotels have recreational facilities, including Jacuzzis, swimming pools, golf courses or tennis courts.

Costa Rica

Couples who have set up house together before getting married often ask for alternative wedding presents, such as donations to eco-friendly projects. In much the same way, eco-friendly honeymoons have become fashionable, and couples spending time in Costa Rica can be reassured that the rainforest’s birds and insects are protected, as are the dolphins and turtles of the Caribbean and Pacific seas. Eco Lodge developments allow couples to occupy spacious single storey dwellings with ocean views, see the wildlife at close quarters and even plant a tree to remember their special honeymoon.

South Pacific cruises

Unusual cruises are another choice for newlyweds seeking to make the most of a multi-stop itinerary while looking for an alternative to the tourist-crowded Caribbean. The South Pacific has plenty of white beaches, superb landscapes and exotic cultures to explore. Tahiti, Fiji and the Cook Islands, along with their plentiful wildlife, are also imbued with a fascinating history. Couples will enjoy the opportunity to explore the islands and learn about their rich cultural heritage.

Alternative honeymoons unfailingly surprise and delight, resulting in a truly memorable shared experience.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Madeira Portugal Wedding



I was on the hunt for European wedding destinations when I found this one that blew me away. The wedding took place in Madeira, Portugal. The photos have me seriously considering a family vacation there! Photographed by Piteira Photography, the ceremony was held in a church at the top of the mountain overlooking the city.  So so pretty! I love how festive the decorations at the church are. I also loved the “basket car” descent down the hilly streets of Madeira. Looks like such a fun day!






Thursday, September 20, 2012

Wedding Shoes From My Glass Slipper

Wedding day is known as the most unforgettable day in human life. Most women wish that day could be perfect and hoping nothing would go wrong. Well...sometimes not all wish are fulfilled. There are some who get panic due of wedding shoes.

Getting panic to find perfect wedding shoes at the last minutes seem common as some brides feel the shoes are the least important of the wedding day attire. They might not know that choosing the right shoes to match their other wedding attire is not as easy as to buy other type of shoes.

Don't ever think that people will not look at bride's shoes. Currently it's no longer do a bride's shoes remain hidden under traditional hopped skirts, tulle and meters of train. The simplicity of wedding dresses today has prompted renewed interest in bridal footwear. People will of course see what shoes the bride is wearing.

If you're the bride-to-be and wanting to buy shoes, be wise! Don't just consider the look. Just because they are the most gorgeous wedding shoes you've ever seen, maybe even the most expensive - doesn't make them the most suitable shoes to wear for up to twelve hours on your special day. Find wedding shoes that comfortable on your foot.

The important thing to find comfortable wedding shoes is to consider it heel! The higher the heel, the more stress you put on your lower back and also making your back muscles contract. Sure you don't want to pain yourself on your first day honeymoon!

There is several of wedding shoes styles you can find at wedding shoes from myglassslipper. Some wedding shoes styles are made from leather, which is combined with cotton for strength and silk satin for richness. There is also wedding shoes that are made from other material, which is also beautiful.

If you want to check what style is match with your wedding dress, just click the website which purchases wedding shoes. You can order easily and without waiting very long, your wedding shoes will be on your hand. Try it on and see how it is on your foot. If not comfortable enough, you can return and change it with the one that is more comfortable.

It's recommend that once you've found your dress, you start looking for the perfect shoes immediately for your wedding. You should have your shoes by the time your gown is delivered and ready to be altered. You will need to bring your shoes to every fitting so that the hemline remains the same.

At least two weeks before the wedding start wearing your shoes around the house. An hour at first, then slowly increase the time at three day intervals leading up to the day. That is to break them in, so you get familiar with your shoes. You do want to have gorgeous wedding shoes with beautiful attire feeling uneasy, don't you!

Now, walk to the altar and make yourself the most charming bride in the world with your perfect gorgeous wedding shoes!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Outdoor Jamaican Wedding



I loved this wedding photoshoot! It is so fairytale-like and completely unexpected from a beach destination. The bride's dress has the perfect vintage feel. (by Charlotte Casadéjus) For the shoot they used LOTS of gypsophila flowers. They kind of remind me of baby's breath and give a real vintage feel to the shoot.




Monday, August 20, 2012

Having Fun With Wedding Rings

Typically in weddings, we see fairly traditional presentations of fairly traditional wedding rings. The rings are always looked forward to well in advance, and bringing them out marks the culmination of a wedding ceremony in many ways. However, if you are getting married soon, or even if you are planning a wedding, you do not have to stick to tradition when it comes to presenting the wedding rings. Instead, consider having some fun with them, both in terms of the rings themselves and how they are presented at the wedding ceremony. Here are a few specific ideas.

Personalizing Wedding Rings

• Wedding rings do not have to be simple golden bands. A quick look at a site like http://www.77diamonds.com/wedding_rings.html will show you that you actually have a lot of options for picking out rings. Whether you choose rings with patterns on them, rings studded with diamonds, or even engraved wedding bands, you can certainly personalize them and have some fun with the process.

Wedding Ring Presentation

• One fun way to present the wedding rings is to hang them on the bride’s necklace. This will likely be an enjoyable surprise for the wedding guests, and it puts the rings on full display for everyone to see. When the time comes, the bride can simply slide them off of her necklace and they can take their places on the married couple’s ring fingers.

• Another nice idea to consider is having a special guest present the rings, rather than using a traditional ring bearer. Some examples might be a special grandparent, or even a mutual friend that the bride and groom have shared for years. Having a person like this sitting in the front row to present the rings can result in a very nice moment at the wedding ceremony.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Find comfortable flat wedding shoes for your wedding?

Did you know that many brides think high heeled shoes are sexier just because they saw it on fashion magazine? But the truth is, most brides choose to wear flat wedding shoes and to be safe and comfortable on their wedding day.

Let me tell you how to choose the most comfortable flat wedding shoes for your wedding day.

Tip number one- If you are going to wear a dress that will cover your shoes, try to find a flat shoe with a small heel. This way it will still be comfortable enough for you to walk and dance, but it will also make sure you won't get dirt from the floor on your dress. Remember, if your heels are too high, you might fall of and embarrass yourself in front of your guests on your wedding day.

Tip #2 - If you chose a wedding dress that isn't white (like cream for example) you shouldn't buy a flat wedding shoes of the same color. This will look weird. I suggest choosing a natural color like silver, gold or bronze, this will go with every dress color and will make you look trendy.

Tip #3 - Research online. It takes a lot of time to go through different stores and try different designs. You can start researching on the internet for flat wedding shoes and get an idea of what you like and what you hate. This will help you speed up the process of searching the right pair when you walk into a store.

Searching the right shoes for your wedding is a very important task and if you choose to go with flat wedding shoes, follow your heart and search for the right shoes to fit perfectly to your dress and make your special day memorable.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Ranch Wedding for $5,000!



A gorgeous DREAM wedding for under $5,000? Ok, you have to be really talented or have lots of creative friends/family to pull this off. But this is one seriously stunning wedding...and photographed beautifully! (by John Newsome Photography)

There are some super fabulous DIY details like the arrows on the cake, stenciled sawdust aisle runner, and yarn tassel ceremony canopy. LOVE LOVE LOVE these inexpensive ideas!




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hicksville Trailer Palace Wedding



This fab DIY wedding took place at the Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree California. I LOVE the use of the Teepee as a photo backdrop. My favorite DIY ideas include the arrows, dried flowers, and the basket of smooth stones to sign.





Thursday, July 12, 2012

Marshmallow Chandelier



A beautiful brunch bar featuring crepes, pancakes, doughnuts, and a 180 strand MARSHMALLOW chandelier. This blew me away- how creative!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Birds of a Feather Wedding



This is designer Elsie Larson's Birds Of A Feather Flock Together themed spring wedding. WOW! I spotted it on Etsy this morning and thought it was so quirky, colorful, & creative! I love the old warehouse looking space they chose to hold the ceremony.





Photography via Arrow and Apple

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Woodsy Park Wedding



I was pretty blown away by the GORGEOUS-ness of this wedding. It is unusual to see reds, greens, and yellows combined as wedding colors. Don't look beautiful in this woodsy park setting? & her bouquet just so cheery!

photography via Abi Q







Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Wedding Fave (Purple Accents)



One of my faves in a long time! I love all of the bold purple & green accents. Photographed by annemariephotography.com -she captured the day beautifully!

I've also bookmarked the Hotel Havana...seriously STUNNING!









Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tent Wedding



Springtime weddings...ahhh!

This couple invited wedding guests to camp through the weekend on their beautiful California property. YES, they live here!! They brought in outdoor sinks and showers for primping, how fun! & the wedding dinner was celebrated around an absolutely beautiful triangular picnic-style table.

For all of the details visit Greenweddingshoes.com













Photography by Jenny Kim Photo